ITI Welcomes Introduction of Surveillance Reform Legislation in the House

March 25, 2014

Information Technology Industry Council President and CEO Dean Garfield issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the FISA Transparency and Modernization Act in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich,. and Ranking Member Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., who today introduced the “the FISA Transparency and Modernization Act of 2014.” As introduced, the bill would make significant changes to Section 215 and add important new checks and balances to our nation’s intelligence programs.

These reforms are an essential step forward for American companies to rebuild trust and compete in a global economy, which will in turn drive job creation and innovation at home and around the world. There is more work to be done and so we look forward to working with members of the House to further build on the reforms contained inthe Rogers/Ruppersberger bill, including additional transparency provisions that would allow companies to disclose the number and scope of the requests they receive from the U.S. government.”

We urge Congress and the Administration to work together to pass FISA reform legislation that will help rebuild public trust and strengthen our ability to defend against economically harmful policies around the globe.”

About ITI

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the premier advocacy and policy organization for the world’s leading innovation companies. ITI navigates the relationships between policymakers, companies, and non-governmental organizations, providing creative solutions that advance the development and use of technology around the world.